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Ningyo

Small · Aberration · CR 7 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex

77 (14d6+28)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 60 ft (18.3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Strength +2 Dexterity +8 Wisdom +3

Skills

Deception +1 Insight +3 Perception +3

Languages

Aquan, Common, Deep Speech

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, necrotic, poison

Traits

Aquatic

The ningyo can breathe only underwater and can hold its breath for 1 hour.

Curse of Ill Fortune

When a creature that the ningyo can see attacks the ningyo and misses, the attack is automatically redirected against another creature within 5 feet of the ningyo or the attacker. This attack uses the same attack roll.

Actions

Barbed Tentacle

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+5 plus 1d10 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) poison damage.

Multiattack

The ningyo makes four barbed tentacle attacks.

Reactions

Share Pain

When the ningyo takes damage, it can choose to take half the damage instead. The ningyo then chooses a creature within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage until the end of its next turn as it is wracked with the pain of the attack.

About Ningyo

Ningyo is a small aberration with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 77 hit points (derived from 14d6+28).

Ningyo has communication capabilities including Aquan, Common, Deep Speech. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ningyo

2 tips available

When using Ningyo in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 60 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Ningyo

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 60 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ningyo?: Ningyo has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Ningyo?: Ningyo is a Small Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ningyo speak?: Ningyo can communicate in Aquan, Common, Deep Speech.